Forces Children Scotland 4 hours ago
Scottish Borders Council has become one of the first local authorities in Scotland to formally adopt the Forces Children’s Rights Charter – reaffirming its commitment to supporting children and young people from Armed Forces families across the region.
At today’s full Council meeting, councillors approved a motion proposed by Councillor John Greenwell, the Council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, endorsing the Charter and recognising the valuable contribution made by Armed Forces families within the Scottish Borders.
The motion highlighted the unique challenges that some Armed Forces children can experience because of parental deployment, family separation, high levels of mobility and transitions between schools and communities.
Developed by Forces Children Scotland in partnership with children and young people, the Forces Children’s Rights Charter is a rights-based framework founded on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC).
It sets out what children from military families believe they need to have their rights respected, protected and supported.
As part of the motion, the Council agreed to endorse and adopt the Charter, support continued awareness of the needs of Armed Forces children and young people across Council services and partner organisations, and promote the Charter through local schools and community planning partners.
Councillor John Greenwell, Scottish Borders Council Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, said: “Armed Forces families play an important role in our communities and it’s vital that we recognise the experiences of children and young people from military families.
“By adopting this Charter, the Council is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring that Forces children are understood, supported and able to access the opportunities they need to thrive.”
Robert Reid, Policy and Campaigns Officer at Forces Children Scotland, added: “Forces children can face challenges linked to their parent’s service, particularly around transitions between schools and periods of family separation.
“Having the right support in place at the right time can make a significant difference to their wellbeing and educational outcomes.
“It’s been a pleasure to work with Cllr John Greenwell and his colleagues over recent months to reach this point. Today’s endorsement demonstrates that Scottish Borders Council takes the rights and experiences of Armed Forces children and young people seriously.”
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